Lung Infection Symptoms

There are various causes that can give rise to lung infections which cause discomfort, thus affecting our day-to-day lives. If neglected, lung infections may get severely complicated. Lung infections are experienced due to the presence of microorganisms like bacteria, virus or fungi in the lungs. There are various lung infection symptoms, some of which will be discussed below.

What is a Lung Infection?

Lung infection is generally referred to as lower respiratory tract infection. This term is synonymous with pneumonia. Lung infections tend to make one very weak and put a strain on the patient's overall health. There are two types of lung infections: chronic and acute infections. The most common infections of the lungs include pneumonia and bronchitis.

When one develops bronchitis, it can be acute that occurs due to a bacterial or viral infection. It is mostly a viral infection and hence antibiotic therapy is not of much use. Pneumonia, on the other hand, can occur due to a variety of factors. It can either be community acquired or a nosocomial infection. It generally affects immunocompromised individuals like children, old people, pregnant women, etc. The main causative agent of pneumonia is a bacterium called Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Given below is a general overview of the signs and symptoms of lung infection caused by various microbial agents.

Bacterial Lung Infection Symptoms
The most commonly observed bacterial lung infection symptom is inflammation. In the area of infection, the local cells release histamine which gives rise to inflammation. This can further cause production of mucus, increase in the flow of blood and also swelling. Irritation of skin is also one of the symptoms of bacterial lung infection. Apart from this, a serious lung infection is caused by MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus). This is a strain of Staphylococcus bacteria that is resistant to most antibiotics. This infection is very common in hospitalized patients.

MRSA lung infection symptoms cause the skin of the person appear to be dry, red, irritated, swollen and itchy. Some people might also suffer from skin infection wherein pimple-like bumps will appear on the skin that may be filled with pus. This skin infection is contagious and can spread through skin contact. Along with the disorders mentioned above, one might also suffer from chills, fever and coughing. Shortness of breath, fatigue and body ache is also experienced by people suffering from MRSA lung infection. In very severe cases, people might also suffer from urinary tract infection.

Viral Lung Infection Symptoms
Some commonly observed, not-so-severe symptoms of viral lung infection are cough, runny nose, sore throat, mild fever and in some cases, ear infection. Along with the symptoms mentioned above, in severe cases, symptoms may also include trouble breathing, dehydration and wheezing. In serious cases, the nails and lips tend to become blue.

Candida Lung Infection Symptoms
Candida lung infection can cause the development of flu and pneumonia-like symptoms in the infected person. Some of the symptoms of candida lung infection are cold, cough and fatigue. Sometimes, mucus is discharged while coughing. Some people may also experience pain in the muscles due to candida infection. Along with this, headache, shortness of breath and runny nose are also some of the commonly observed symptoms.

General Symptoms of Lung Infection

Signs of lung infection that call for a doctor's attention are as follows:

• Fever
• Extreme shortness of breath
• Dry cough; in some cases, productive cough
• Change in color, thickness and stickiness of mucus produced
• Tightness, pressure and pain in chest that worsens when one breathes in deeply or coughs

Do visit a medical practitioner immediately if you observe any of the aforementioned lung infection symptoms. Stay healthy and stay happy!

Disclaimer: This Buzzle article is for informative purposes only and does not, in any way, intend to replace the advice of a medical expert.